The startup has also secured partnerships with the developers of Rocket League and SMITE , Psyonix and Hi-Rez Studios respectively, for its inaugural season beginning in February 2019. PlayVS is currently operating a limited “Season Zero” in five states with its first game partner, League of Legends . In addition to Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, PlayVS has expanded its market to include high schools within Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Texas.

Additionally, PlayVS will launch a Club League program in Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. These intra-state leagues will operate separately from the official PlayVS league, but still utilize the company’s platform and season structure. However, the Club Leagues will culminate in an online final event rather than the official league’s live finale.

The inaugural season will kickoff on the week of Feb. 25 2019, with playoffs taking place in May. Each participating state will host a live championship with schools divided into multiple in-state conferences.

Each school will be allowed an unlimited number of participating teams, with each student paying a $64 participation fee.

Trent has been reporting on esports for over five years, starting with the early days of the LCS. He currently serves as The Esports Observer's Senior Writer, and staunchly believes that "fighting games are great."